Y
Yes
Guest
Like many, about a decade ago I returned to the Church. I never really left per se, I just slowly stopped attending and then felt the call to return.
I still remember the first Mass I attended after my return. It was at my childhood parish, a very historic building. The first thing I noticed is the doors from the sacristy to the sanctuary were wide open (a former no-no) and the sacristy was PACKED with loud people. Only clerics, religious and altar boys could enter in the past.
More than 100 people entered the church via the sacristy and walked across the sanctuary to their seats. They treated the sanctuary as a run-way/stage of sorts to be seen. That was truly infuriating. Insulting really. Each would make a show out of bowing to the big crucifix and then walking right past the tabernacle which had been re-located to a small niche next to the sanctuary. It also seemed to take 15-20 trips by various people to “set things up” in the sanctuary. In reality they were placing themselves on momentary display while “checking the house.”
The altar person entered from the sacristy as well. She seemed to be dressed more like a clown than a server. Her alb was fine and all, but her “scarf” (which looked much like a priest’s stole made out of Kente cloth) and cincture were out of line. So were her 4" heels she liked to flash when sitting down, along with her bored look.
The priest had obviously not spent any time preparing a homily – something that would not change for 2-3 more years. I especially remember the “sacred vessels” – cheap wine glasses and dime store glass cereal bowls and the mantra, “it’s a meal!”
The pastor removed consecrated hosts from the tabernacle (the ciborium was getting ready to overflow) and mixed them with the unconsecrated hosts that were to be used as gifts for that Mass. He did it right in front of my face (I was sitting near the gifts.) That remains the worst liturgical abuse I have seen in my life.
I could go on and on, but today things are quite a bit different due largely to a far better pastor and unceasing prayer and pressure from those wanting to follow the Church.
Today the sacristy doors are closed, and the sacristy has far fewer people in it. The sanctuary is no longer used as a short-cut (that’s pretty taboo today) nor does a lot of activity take place up there prior to Mass.
Altar servers vest properly these days and we have beautiful sacred vessels. If a priest tried to mix consecrated hosts in with the gifts today, I wouldn’t be the only person who would stop him – physically if necessary.
Most of all we now have priests (3) who care. They spend time preparing homilies. They appear to genuinely love celebrating the Mass. It’s a great deal better.
On the opposite side there are the people that introduced the problems in the first place who still try to resist change, but more and more they are losing their status and their power.
Things are not perfect, but they are continually getting better. So never give up and never stop praying…
I still remember the first Mass I attended after my return. It was at my childhood parish, a very historic building. The first thing I noticed is the doors from the sacristy to the sanctuary were wide open (a former no-no) and the sacristy was PACKED with loud people. Only clerics, religious and altar boys could enter in the past.
More than 100 people entered the church via the sacristy and walked across the sanctuary to their seats. They treated the sanctuary as a run-way/stage of sorts to be seen. That was truly infuriating. Insulting really. Each would make a show out of bowing to the big crucifix and then walking right past the tabernacle which had been re-located to a small niche next to the sanctuary. It also seemed to take 15-20 trips by various people to “set things up” in the sanctuary. In reality they were placing themselves on momentary display while “checking the house.”
The altar person entered from the sacristy as well. She seemed to be dressed more like a clown than a server. Her alb was fine and all, but her “scarf” (which looked much like a priest’s stole made out of Kente cloth) and cincture were out of line. So were her 4" heels she liked to flash when sitting down, along with her bored look.
The priest had obviously not spent any time preparing a homily – something that would not change for 2-3 more years. I especially remember the “sacred vessels” – cheap wine glasses and dime store glass cereal bowls and the mantra, “it’s a meal!”
The pastor removed consecrated hosts from the tabernacle (the ciborium was getting ready to overflow) and mixed them with the unconsecrated hosts that were to be used as gifts for that Mass. He did it right in front of my face (I was sitting near the gifts.) That remains the worst liturgical abuse I have seen in my life.
I could go on and on, but today things are quite a bit different due largely to a far better pastor and unceasing prayer and pressure from those wanting to follow the Church.
Today the sacristy doors are closed, and the sacristy has far fewer people in it. The sanctuary is no longer used as a short-cut (that’s pretty taboo today) nor does a lot of activity take place up there prior to Mass.
Altar servers vest properly these days and we have beautiful sacred vessels. If a priest tried to mix consecrated hosts in with the gifts today, I wouldn’t be the only person who would stop him – physically if necessary.
Most of all we now have priests (3) who care. They spend time preparing homilies. They appear to genuinely love celebrating the Mass. It’s a great deal better.
On the opposite side there are the people that introduced the problems in the first place who still try to resist change, but more and more they are losing their status and their power.
Things are not perfect, but they are continually getting better. So never give up and never stop praying…
) What that says to me is that the seminaries are coming around. I have also heard comments from priests that are a product of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s of this fact and their tone is almost one of disdain and fear.
Actually, doesn’t surprise me, as I have read the book “Good Bye Good Men.” Read it if you get the chance. It (I believe) will put all the pieces together for you as to what has happened to The Church.